Features

TOPS encourages sensible, healthy living

Published by admin on Wed, 01/04/2023 - 10:02am

     At the start of every New Year, people make all kinds of resolutions they want to achieve. Many set goals for themselves to lose weight, eat healthier, establish better lifestyle habits, etc.

   That’s where TOPS comes in…

   TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) is an international “non-profit network of weight-loss support groups and wellness education organizations.” And there just so happens to be a local group here in Jones County!

AWF introduces app-based dog training

Published by admin on Wed, 01/04/2023 - 10:02am

     Animal Welfare Friends (AWF) Shelter in Monticello announced an exciting opportunity for dog owners and those who adopt a dog through AWF.

   AWF Manager Kate Williams heard about the dog-training app through an online forum she belongs to.

   “Other shelters and rescue places share information, and I zoom in once a month,” she said.

   GoodPup is an online 24/7 one-on-one training tool for dog owners that can be done at the owner’s convenience.

   “It can be hard to get into a trainer,” William said.

Community Foundation outlines new small-town grant initiative

Published by admin on Wed, 12/28/2022 - 11:26am

     During the Jones County Community Foundation Grants & Gifts Celebration held on Dec. 14, some updates were presented on behalf of the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque.

   Nancy Van Milligen, president and CEO of Greater Dubuque, praised the work of the JCCF.

   "We love working with Jones County; you have a great board of directors," she said.

   The JCCF is an affiliate of Greater Dubuque.

There’s more to learn at any age

Published by admin on Wed, 12/28/2022 - 11:23am

     “This has all come full circle for me…”

   Earning one’s four-year degree isn’t unusual. Putting in the hard work to go on from there to earn your master’s degree is impressive. Taking the time to earn a second master’s degree…

   Lisa Folken holds many titles through her profession and community and civic leadership. Her current role is that of director at Kirkwood Community College’s Jones Regional Education Center (JREC) in Monticello. Folken was like many high school graduates in the late 1980s, unsure of her future path in life.

Student of the month: DeeAnna Pumphrey

Published by admin on Wed, 12/28/2022 - 11:20am

     Each month, Monticello High School nominates a student who exhibits positive behavior, as part of an initiative called PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports). The students support that school's characteristics of Respect, Responsibility, Caring, Safety, and Integrity.

   “I didn’t believe it. I honestly didn’t think I had the potential.”

   DeeAnna Pumphrey, a sophomore at MHS, was named Student of the Month for December. She said she was shocked when she heard the news.

Jones Co. employees ‘Make a Difference’

Published by admin on Wed, 12/28/2022 - 11:19am

   “We Can Make a Difference,” established in 2005, is a donation program made up of Jones County employees who choose to contribute a portion of their bi-weekly paychecks toward a worthy cause. Over $30,000 has been raised and donated to local organizations since the inception of the program.

   Thirty-two employees participated in 2022.

JCCF awards over $112,000 in grants

Published by admin on Wed, 12/21/2022 - 2:01pm

     This year, the Jones County Community Foundation (JCCF) awarded over $112,000 in grants. The 11 recipients of those grants were announced on Dec. 14 during the Foundation’s annual “Grants & Gifts Celebration.”

   The event took place at Calkins Barn in Wyoming with a room full of volunteers working with Jones County non-profits, board members of the JCCF, those associated with the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque, and those who support the JCCF through endowments.

Ministerial Association serves several community needs

Published by admin on Wed, 12/21/2022 - 1:59pm

     “If you need anything, reach out to any pastor and he/she will guide you in the right direction to get you the help you need,” spoke Pastor Frank Shepherd with Peace United Church of Christ.

   Shepherd is one of six area clergy who are members of the Monticello Ministerial Association (MMA).

   MMA has three main missions that serve the Monticello community:

   • Food pantry

   • Neighbor Helping Neighbor (NHN)

   • Undesignated account

Camp Courageous Winter Sale now open

Published by admin on Wed, 12/21/2022 - 1:57pm

     Camp Courageous volunteers have opened a Winter Sale fundraiser in the camp’s main lodge to help benefit the camp throughout the winter season. Unlike Camp’s Manchester Garage Sale, which is now open year-round in Manchester, this sale is held at Camp Courageous. The lodge has been filled with new to lightly used items of all types that will be sold with proceeds going to the camp. Volunteers will help run the sale now through March 8.

Starlighters’ essay contest offers dinner with fairytale characters

Published by admin on Wed, 12/21/2022 - 1:53pm

     Three lucky kids in Jones County could get the chance to win dinner with a fairytale character featured in Starlighters II Theater’s upcoming show, “Happily Ever After: A Musical Event.”

   The show will be held Friday and Saturday, Jan. 6 and 7, at 7:30 p.m.

   By visiting www.starlighters.org/musicalevent, parents can download an essay form. Simply fill it out and return it to Starlighters by Dec. 30 and your child will be entered in a chance to have a private dinner with their favorite fairytale character.

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